Family
The hunger pangs were chewing a hole in my stomach. My emotions shifted from relaxed to furious in mere moments. I was fixated on satisfying this craving. The enticing aromas wafting in were overwhelming. I started to identify the pleasant scents, distinguishing them from the ones I found unappetizing, as something that could quench this desire.
One scent, in particular, caught my attention more than any others. It was sweet and delightful, captivating my senses. I followed its powerful fragrance as I climbed higher on top of the soft body beneath me. As I moved upward, I could hear sounds swirling around me. My awareness was intensely heightened, yet I remained unable to see. There was one question I never had the chance to ask. It was too late now; it would have to wait for another occasion.
The delightful scents and sounds more than compensated for my lack of sight. Was this the extraordinary experience the great Elohim spoke of? Indeed, it was wonderful and so much more! Yet, the pain from what the creator referred to as birth lingered in my memory. Time can change so much in such a short period! My little arms stretched out further and further, pulled upwards by the captivating scent that intensified, calling to me with its irresistible charm. As I inched closer to the source of the scent, I hesitated when my paw brushed against an object protruding from the soft surface below. It felt different from the body itself, while it was soft, it had a distinct texture. I tapped it lightly, only to quickly retract my paw when I realized it was wet and sticky. The intoxicating smell intensified for some reason. Piquing my curiosity, it led me to sniff at my paw. The scent was simply mouthwatering! Without thinking, I instinctively extended my tongue out to sample the wet substance. 'Delicious!' I thought.
An explosion of new flavors surged through my mouth. It smelt sweet and tasted creamy and smooth, almost like a buttery flavor. Whatever that scent was, it was just as delightful to taste! I quickly leaned in on the soft mound and enveloped it with my mouth. Unsure how to extract more, I began to lick with my tongue as I had done to my paw. I felt disappointed and disheartened, having managed to capture just a small portion that vanished almost instantly after I had licked it up. I quickly pulled away. In my thoughts, I pondered, "How can I acquire more of this delightful drink?" At that moment, as if in answer to my musings, the creator addressed me.
"You should suck up, not lick it. Use your tongue to draw upward towards the back of your throat. Instead of exhaling your breath, draw it back inwards, Give it a try now."
I searched for the bump once more and followed the instructions from Elohim. To my pleasure, a wave of delicious liquid filled my mouth and flowed down my throat. I felt a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Thankful to the voice of Elohim, in my mind I made sure to show just how appreciative I was. I must have lingered there, indulging myself for what felt like hours. It didn't matter that I wasn't alone in that moment. I focused only on the mission at hand to quench my hunger. Nothing was going to stop me at completing it.
Time seemed to stand still as I sought to quench an unrelenting thirst. The warm liquid was quickly filling up my stomach, it was well pleased, no longer plagued by an empty painful ache. Peace and happiness returned, and my demeanor restored its previous calmness. I finished the meal and rested against the softness of the creature. I felt tired again. Moments later, a gentle nudge and a soft push from a nearby creature sharing a similar texture pushed into my side.
The scent of iron filled my nostrils. The stench of it bit at my senses. I was no longer sleepy but awake from such a sharp fragrance. "Odd, I didn't remember that from before." I said to myself. It appeared that I wasn't the only one drawn here; someone else had likely come searching for the same aroma I had sought just a few minutes earlier. I wondered how we had crossed paths without noticing one another. The similar creature pushed me further away from the bump, leaving me uncomfortable. I decided to wander off to find a more comfortable spot. Drawn to the warmth emanating from the larger creature beneath me. I struggled to choose where to settle down. Upon my little adventure, I discovered two more tiny creatures nearby, each with a unique scent that helped me identify them individually. One emitted a grassy aroma, while the other smelled sweet, akin to the liquid it drank. The first creature I encountered was adorned with the metallic odor that was quite unpleasant. At the moment I wasn't certain whether to refer to it, as him or her; it, felt more like 'they or them.' Even the larger creature I was exploring carried its own distinctive scent, perfumed with a precise sweetness.
The fragrance that sprang to mind was best described as a blend of floral and woody notes. Curiously, I had never encountered such a scent before, nor did I fully understand why it resonated with me. It simply felt instinctive. In that moment, I recognized the connection—I was with my family. The voice of Elohim returned to me.
"That's correct, little one. You have a mother lion, widely recognized as a lioness. She embodies both gentleness and strength, which is the essence you've been uncovering. The smaller, more assertive creatures you've met are your siblings; they too have just been born." the voice explained.
"You will grow alongside them, discovering their names and all the ways of being a lion cub. Now let me clarify that the liquid that quenches your thirst is called milk; it nourishes and fortifies you from the inside. You will frequently drink this from your mother until you transition from milk to meat," the creator explained.
The word "meat." made me pause for a moment. I asked, "What does meat mean?"
Elohim responded, "The specifics aren't what's important at the moment. To put it simply, its nourishing food, similar to how milk nourishes you. It will keep your belly full and provide you with the energy to grow into a strong lion someday. You will replace the sweet milk for savory meat one day. For now, milk is what you and your siblings need. Some good things to remember about milk is, it will enhance your vision in no time and advance all your other senses. Cherish this simple time while it lasts."
At last, another question was resolved. I realized I wouldn't remain blind indefinitely, according to Elohim. This was exciting and encouraging news. All of my senses would be fully restored. What an incredible feeling it would be to finally see everything I was feeling, tasting, smelling, and hearing. Joy was back and it was filling my heart. Out of nowhere, fatigue began to resurface. I had settled into a comfortable spot near my mother's chest, while chatting with Elohim, I felt prepared to curl up. This time, I surrendered completely to the soothing drowsiness, free from distractions. I released my thoughts and my body, letting myself glide into a tranquil, soft blue expanse.
Images of darting creatures flashed before me, shades of yellow and browns blending into a blur, while a refreshing breeze swept over me. Whatever dream I was lost in, it felt electrifying. I lingered in this vivid vision for what felt like an eternity, delighting in the chase of these swift shapes darting before my eyes. My feet propelled me forward as if I were genuinely pursuing them in the moment. I could my mother's low chuckle softly in the background as I lay asleep in a unique dream. She watched from her cozy position. Mother had grown weary after bringing four healthy lion cubs into the world. Two little girls and two healthy boys. I had an older sister, a younger brother, and a baby sister, all arrived in quick succession right after me. I was curious to learn our names. What would mother call us and what would they mean. I wasn't sure how to communicate with her yet, it drew me back to calling upon Elohim.
Just as he had said he would grant; he returned upon my request. "Elohim, what are my siblings' names? What is mine? How do I communicate with my family?" I inquired. I was well aware I had overwhelmed him with multiple questions.
Elohim laughed out loud, "Whoa! slow down. One thing at a time. First, your mother is named Queen Saharrah. Many of your kind refer to her as Queen or Lady. She is the dominant lioness of the White mane pack, which is the name of your family tribe. Secondly, your name is Zarda White mane. You are her firstborn son, and you will be treasured above all other lions." he replied.
I pondered on the name repeatedly, saying it over and over again in my mind. "Zarda, Zarda, Zarda. I like it, the sound of it feels powerful," I mused.
Elohim continued, "Your tribe possesses a unique genetic trait: it is the only one that produces male lions with manes as white as snow. Every fourth generation, a new King is destined to arise, marked by a snow-white mane that sets him apart from all others. You, Zarda, are the one who has inherited this gene. Your brother and sisters do not possess it. You have been chosen to enter this fourth generation and eventually as you age, take your father's place. Nonetheless, that moment is still a long way off. In the meantime, your father, King Ezekiel, will carry on leading as he has for his time. He will rule until you are ready to assume his position. He alone will govern your tribe. Now, to answer you about your siblings. Zaza is the eldest sister, followed by Meeku your only brother, and then the youngest is Teek. That is all I wish to share with you for now; I prefer for you to discover what lies ahead as a wondrous surprise. It is far more exciting, as well as more challenging, that way. Bless you, Zarda, my creation. I am always here if you need me. For now, I must take my leave." said the creator, his smooth voice fading away.
This time, his farewell feels as though it will stretch on forever before I hear from him again. It was alright; I was becoming tired of the conversation, and my attention fought to stay focused. Drifting into darkness I slept comfortable. Settled into my mother's warmth and gently slipping into another dream.